Mawlid

Mawlid, or Malid un Nabi, is the celebrated observance of the Prophet Muhammad of Islam. The event recognizes the birth of the Prophet and occurs in the third month of the Islamic calendar. Though Mawlid is typically celebrated by Sunni Muslims, it was originally a Shia festival and is still celebrated among many Shia communities. Islamic scholars are divided over whether Mawlid should be observed. In some places, such as Egypt, Mawlid can also refer to the celebration of any Sufi saint.¹

Fast Facts

1. Falls on the 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal of the Islamic Lunar Calendar¹
2. Commemorated by millions of Muslims worldwide
3. Includes reciting verses from the Holy Qur'an, chanting, telling stories about the birth of the Prophet, teaching, and feeding the poor
4. Began in the 8th Century as a Shia ruling class festival
5. Shia's celebrate Mawlid five days after the Sunni people

About Muhammad

Born in 570 A.D. in Mecca, Muhammad was raised by his mother. At a young age, his mother died and Muhammad was taken in by his paternal grandfather, where he learned about Mecca's Council. Passed a third time to be cared for by his uncle, Muhammad worked as a shepherd and then worked for a wealthy merchant, Khadija, whom he later married. The couple had six children , but lost their two sons during infancy. Soon after, Muhammad began to make long retreats and meditate. In 610, he had a visionary experience with the Angel Gabriel and, soon after, had several more encounters. At this point, Muhammad began to spread a monotheistic message as he became awakened as a prophet.²

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